Introduction: What is Dry Needling Therapy?
Dry needling is a fairly new treatment technique that studies have shown to be a more effective means of relieving pain and improving movement in cases where other methods have failed. Physical therapists use what we call dry needles to treat tight muscles. These dry needles do not contain medicine; only trigger points in muscle groups in the body can be found within a larger muscle group. It can be used for many conditions, including:
– Chronic muscle pain
– Headaches
– Carpal tunnel syndrome
– Sciatica
– Muscle spasms
A recent study found that dry needling is more effective than needle acupuncture. Researchers found that when they compared needle acupuncture to dry needling, the latter was significantly more effective in reducing pain intensity and disability associated with myofascial pain syndrome.
How Does Dry Needling Therapy Work?
Dry needling is an effective and safe treatment that’s used in chiropractic, medical and physical therapy. There’s minimal discomfort for the patient.
The therapist or physician will insert sterile needles into the specific area to treat any muscle pains. Before they insert them, they’ll diagnose where that point may be to ensure complete and accurate treatment.
Commonly referred to as a “muscle knot,” a trigger point is when there are tight bands in muscle fibers. This can cause pain, restrictions in range of motion, and disruptions to normal function. They may be found in more than one place on the body, and they can get worse over time.
Dry needling is different from acupuncture because it doesn’t use needles to inject fluid — instead, they provide a sharp sensation that stimulates the muscle tissues. This can sometimes lead to soreness or aching in the muscles, but most people find treatments to be painless.
The depth and length of the needle’s placement depend on what type of pain is being treated. For deep tissue or muscle pain, needles can be left in place for a matter of seconds or minutes.
What are the Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy?
Relieve Pain and Muscle Tightness
Dry needling is an effective option for reducing pain in specific body areas by targeting trigger points. If you’re suffering from shoulder or neck pain, the therapist will insert needles into triggered pressure points. These needles will release tension, inflammation, chemicals, and pressure in your muscle that’s caused your pain. The results will improve range of motion and immediate pain relief.
Improved Range of Motion
Similarly to dry needling, it’s important to release pain in the body. The process of doing this helps overall muscle movement and flexibility. This is helpful for athletes who are constantly on the go as they will find fluid movements easier and have a fuller range of motion than before. Again, let’s use the shoulder as an example. As a baseball player, you need a full range of motion to throw the ball properly. Playing catch with a ball gives you a lot of pressure on your shoulder, so staying relaxed is important. Dry needling can make the pain disappear and help your shoulder muscles be more flexible. You won’t experience any chronic pain anymore if you apply this treatment.
Speeds Up Recovery
The worst part is the wait to get back on your feet whenever you suffer an injury. It might take longer for some injuries than others, but sitting around and doing nothing can be frustrating. Dry needle therapy is often better for patients than other treatment options because it can provide quick relief and improved mobility.
What can I expect during treatment?
Treatment sessions take place in a comfortable position while you are relaxed. The therapist will be able to reach and properly treat the area requested. We provide you with a comfortable, therapeutic environment, during which time your therapist will monitor you to ensure that you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Once the therapist locates the “knot” or trigger point, they will gently insert the needle into the appropriate area. The therapist can use both dynamic and static needling, which involves either moving around the needle or not. These types of therapies typically last anywhere between 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Conclusion: Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Using a Therapist Who Practices Dry Needle Therapy For Treatment Of Your Chronic Pain Conditions
Dry needle therapy is a type of treatment for chronic pain where a therapist inserts needles into the skin to stimulate nerves and muscles to reduce pain. It is also known as dry needling or intramuscular stimulation. The following are five reasons why you should consider using a therapist who practices dry needle therapy for the treatment of your chronic pain:
1. It may help you avoid prescription pain medication.
2. Dry needle therapy can provide long-term relief for many chronic conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.
3. Dry Needling doesn’t have the side effects of pain medication, so it may be a good option for people who are already on medications or can’t take them.
4. It may help your body heal quickly and reduce pain by stimulating natural healing responses in the body.
5. Dry needle therapy is not as invasive or risky as other treatments.
A trained physical therapist should perform your dry needling treatment. This ensures that you are relieved from your pain and that the procedure is safe for you. A lot of people struggle with chronic pain and are interested in dry needling services. The staff at Cadence Physical Therapy can provide you with information on the procedure; whether it could be effective in helping to treat your pain. To request an appointment, call (847)378-4970 or request an appointment online.